Latvian-Estonian business forum to take place in Tallinn on Thursday

RIGA - A Latvian-Estonian business forum will take place in Tallinn on Thursday, July 2, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) informed LETA.

The agency notes that during the Latvian president's state visit to Estonia, the Latvian-Estonian business forum will take place in Tallinn on July 2, bringing together representatives of both countries' government institutions, business leaders, and industry experts to strengthen economic cooperation and foster formation of new partnerships.

The Latvian delegation to the forum will include President Edgars Rinkevics, senior officials from the Economics Ministry and LIAA, as well as more than 45 Latvian companies representing the defense industry, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, dual-use technologies, and other high-value-added industries.

According to LIAA, the forum will serve as a platform for establishing new business contacts, expanding export opportunities, and developing joint cross-border projects. The forum's program includes high-level discussions, panel sessions, business meetings, and individual B2B negotiations.

LIAA points out that Latvia and Estonia are united by close economic cooperation, while geopolitical challenges and technological advancements are creating an ever-greater need to strengthen cooperation in strategically important sectors, including defense innovation, cybersecurity, and digital technologies.

According to Rinkevics, the current security environment in Europe requires greater investments in security. Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine that the Baltic countries would have an ammunition factory and develop capabilities for manufacturing military drones and armored vehicles. The Baltic region can adapt quickly to new challenges. Companies in Latvia and Estonia are successfully developing innovative products in defense and dual-use technologies. By enhancing cooperation between research institutions and manufacturers and attracting investment, new competitive products are being created that help strengthen the region’s security and economic growth.

Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Greens/Farmers) emphasizes that economic relations between Latvia and Estonia are close, but there is still considerable untapped potential. The goal of the business forum is to establish new contacts, promote investment, and open up broader export opportunities for Latvian companies. Cooperation is particularly important in high-value-added sectors - information and communication technologies, defense industry, cybersecurity, and innovation.

LIAA Director Ieva Jagere notes that every international business forum is an opportunity for Latvian companies to turn contacts into long-term partnerships, while for investors, it is a chance to discover Latvia as a reliable partner for innovation and business development. The LIAA's mission is to help foster these partnerships.

Also during the forum, the Livonia Awards will be presented to companies that have made significant contribution to the development of economic cooperation between Latvia and Estonia.